So for a community that prides itself on being the “beer tent capital of the world,” it’s probably encouraging that the fledgling business development organization builds its foundation with the launching of the Unruly Brewing Co.

MRI has leased the main and lower levels of the Russell Block Building, 360 W. Western to provide a market-style space for retailers and food vendors. The “anchor” tenant in the Russell Block Market will be the “community brewing” company that organizers hope will draw other food and beverage tenants.

But MRI is more than just a leasing agency for the Russell Block Market. As an incubator organization, MRI hopes to find those wanting to start small retail, food or beverage businesses, get their businesses organized and have them locate in the downtown.

Terry MacAllister

“What was the central business district must now reinvent itself to become a new destination for unique, small, specialty retail shops,” said Terry MacAllister, president of the MRI board, about the downtown transition from the former Muskegon Mall to a more traditional downtown layout.

MacAllister is in the public relations and advertising sector and was the co-chairman of the Imagine Muskegon downtown planning project.

MRI will partner with existing agencies and business development programs such as SCORE business counselors, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, e-Merge, Downtown Muskegon Now and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The idea is to get the new business owners the training and assistance they need to give them the best chance to succeed in business, MacAllister said.

McCormick said as the Russell Block Market opens by the end of the year, MRI will work with tenants in both buildings to get them ready for the next level of retailing. It is hoped that the two adjacent buildings could be connected with an interior passage and that the tenants will develop joint marketing plans, she said.

Eileen McCormick

As MRI participants begin to find success in businesses, the program is designed to find them more traditional retail or food outlet space in the downtown. Other retail hubs are on the drawing boards such as Shoreline Market on the Morris Street parking lot and the possible relocation of the Muskegon Farmer’s Market into the central business district, McCormick said.

The initial Russell Block Market leases will be for six months with a maximum of two years unless granted lease extensions by the MRI board, MacAllister said. Participants can stay in the MRI program for two years to receive business development services beyond their initial launch in the Russell Block Market, he said.

“Not every retailer with a dream will graduate and decide to stay in business,” MacAllister said. “Our goal is to maximize the potential and provide information and services that will assist them in making their own decision on how to proceed in business.”

Once properly funded, the seed money will allow for expanded services that include helping retailers build out their spaces at the Russell Block Building and possibly subsiding initial month rents, McCormick said.